CHICAGO — When Chicago expands vaccine eligibility to group 1C on March 29, thousands more people will be rushing to make appointments — which means the city’s senior population may have an even harder time booking one, Chicago’s top doctor said Wednesday.
Unlike the rest of the state, which expanded vaccine eligibility more broadly weeks ago, the Chicago Department of Public Health has focused on getting the most vulnerable residents vaccinated first, including people over 65.
Dr. Allison Arwady, head of the Chicago Department of Public Health, said seniors should sign up online now or call the city’s COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 312-746-4835 in the next 12 days if they want to beat the rush. Just under half of the city’s senior population has received at least one dose as of Wednesday, she said.
RELATED: Here’s How You Can Get Vaccinated Against Coronavirus In Chicago
“We’ve got 12 more days here [before 1C is eligible],” Arwady said at a Wednesday news conference. “If you know anybody over the age of 65, please, anywhere in the city of Chicago, we want to get folks vaccinated.”
If you or someone you know is having trouble booking online through ZocDoc or pharmacy websites, they can call the city’s hotline at 312-746-4835. My Block, My Hood, My City is also helping seniors find vaccines. Click here for more information.
RELATED: Only Chicago Residents Can Get Vaccinated At City-Run Sites When 1C People Become Eligible March 29
Block Club Chicago’s coronavirus coverage is free for all readers. Block Club is an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom.
Subscribe to Block Club Chicago. Every dime we make funds reporting from Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Already subscribe? Click here to support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation.